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Senate To Confirm Service Chiefs, Forms Special Committees

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By Sunday Isuwa, Abuja

The Nigeria’s Senate is preparing to confirm new service chiefs and establish special committees.

The Senate President is gearing up to conduct screenings for the appointment of service chiefs in response to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s letter requesting their confirmation. This move comes as part of efforts to enhance the nation’s security architecture.

Formation Of Special Committees

In a bid to ensure the smooth functioning of the red chamber, Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday, revealed the composition of eight Special Committees. Each committee will play a crucial role in the Senate’s operations and decision-making processes.

Selection Committee

One of the prominent committees established is the Selection Committee. It will be chaired by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, with the Deputy Senate President, Jubrin Barau, serving as the Vice Chairman.

This committee will oversee the selection and appointment of individuals to key positions within the Senate.

Committee On Rules And Business

Senator Titus Zam will lead the Committee on Rules and Business, while Senator Opeyemi Bamidele has been designated as the Vice Chairman.

This committee will be responsible for formulating and managing the rules and procedures that govern the Senate’s operations.

Committee On Senate Service

Senator Sunday Steve Karimi will serve as the Chairman of the Committee on Senate Service, and Senator William Jonah will assume the position of Vice Chairman.

This committee will focus on providing administrative support and ensuring the efficient functioning of the Senate.

Committee On Public Account

The Committee on Public Account will be led by Senator Aliu Wadada from Nasarawa state, with Onyeka Peter as the Vice Chairman.

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Its primary role is to oversee the auditing of public funds and ensure accountability in government spending.

Committee On National Security And Intelligence

Senator Sheu Buba Umar will chair the Committee on National Security and Intelligence, which plays a critical role in assessing and addressing the nation’s security challenges.

The committee will collaborate with intelligence agencies to devise strategies that enhance national security.

Committee On Media

Senator Yemi Adaramodu will assume the role of Chairman of the Media Committee, responsible for managing the Senate’s media affairs and maintaining effective communication with the public. Senator Salisu Shuaibu Afolabi will serve as the Vice Chairman.

Committee on Ethics, Privileges & Public Petition

To ensure ethical standards and address grievances, Okey Ezea has been appointed as the Chairman of the Ethics, Privileges & Public Petition Committee. Ibrahim Khalid will serve as the Vice Chairman.

Legislative Compliance Committee

Buba Umar will also chair the Legislative Compliance Committee, with Asuquo Ekpeyong as the Vice Chairman.

This committee will ensure that legislative processes and decisions are implemented effectively across various sectors.

Confirmation Hearings For Service Chiefs

In the meantime, the Senate is preparing to commence confirmation hearings for the recently appointed Service Chiefs.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a letter read on the Senate floor yesterday, emphasized the urgency of reviewing the country’s security architecture in response to the worsening security situation.

Last month, President Tinubu named the new Service Chiefs as follows: Maj Gen C G Musa, Chief of Defence Staff; Maj Gen T A Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral E A Ogalla, Chief of Naval Staff; and AVM H B Abubakar, Chief of Air Staff.

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Alleged sexual harassment: Suspended professor closes defence

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Prof. Cyril Ndifon, the suspended Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Calabar (UNICAL) on Friday closed his defence in the alleged sexual harassment case before a Federal High Court in Abuja.

Justice James Omotosho adjourned the matter until July 2 for adoption of final written addresses.

after the Ndifon’s lawyer, Joe Agi, SAN, indicated his intention to close his case.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the suspended professor closes his defence after calling two witnesses to counter the allegations levelled against him and his co-defendant, Sunny Anyanwu, by Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

While Ndifon was the first defence witness (DW-1), CSP Babagana Mingali, a Forensic Analyst, who works at the laboratory of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), was the DW-2.

Justice Omotosho had, on March 6, 2024, dismissed the no-case submission filed by Ndifon and Anyanwu against the ICPC charge.

Justice James Omotosho, in a ruling, held that the evidence led by the prosecution constituted a prima facie case against the duo.

The judge, therefore, ordered Ndifon and Anyanwu to enter their defence.

The ICPC, in the alleged sexual harassment charge, preferred a four-count amended charge against Ndifon and Anyanwu, who was earlier a member of his team of lawyers.

They were accused of alleged sexual harassment, cybercrime and attempt to pervert the course of justice.

The ICPC alleged that Ndifon, while serving as the Dean of the Faculty of Law at UNICAL, asked the female Diploma student, identified as TKJ and a star witness, to send him “pornographic, indecent and obscene photographs of herself” through WhatsApp chats.

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Anyanwu, one of the lawyers of the defence, was joined in the amended charge filed on Jan. 22, 2024, by the commission on the allegation that he called the star witness on her mobile phone during the pendency of the charge against Ndifon to threaten her.

They, however, pleaded not guilty to all the counts.

The anti-corruption commission had, on Feb 14, 2024, closed its case against the suspended professor Anyanwu.

ICPC counsel, Osuobeni Akponimisingha, told Justice Omotosho after Bwaigu Fungo, the 4th prosecution witness, a Forensic and intelligence Analyst with the commission, was cross-examined by the defence lawyer.(NAN)

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Taraba Socio-cultural Group Condemns Threats Against Sarkin Hausawa in Takum, Urges Government Action

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By Nahum Sule, JALINGO

The Takum Samba Socio-Cultural Development Association has raised alarm over a live broadcast by Japhet Kwabche on his online platform, True Comrade TV, which they claim threatens the life of Sarkin Hausawa Takum, Alhaji Hudu Ismail Madugu, and endangers the peace of Takum.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, the chairman of the association, Comr. Victor DanUsman said the association described Kwabche’s statements as inflammatory, alleging they imply intent to harm the Sarkin Hausawa and destabilize the town.

The association highlighted that Takum has enjoyed relative peace, attracting development projects, and such threats risk reversing progress.

They noted Kwabche’s declarations suggested he has the authority and capacity to act against the Sarkin Hausawa, raising concerns about planned actions that could affect the entire community. The group also questioned Kwabche’s motives, pointing out he is from Ussa LGA and not a resident of Takum.

Citing recent incidents of violence, including kidnappings and killings in the region, the association warned that Kwabche’s broadcast could incite further unrest. They called on the Taraba State government, led by Governor Agbu Kefas, and security agencies to intervene urgently to protect the Sarkin Hausawa, his family, and Takum residents.

The group urged the Nigeria Police Force to arrest and investigate Kwabche, emphasizing that his statements constitute a criminal threat.

The association reaffirmed its support for the state government and the rule of law, appealing for swift action to prevent any planned attacks and maintain peace in Takum.

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Kachia APC Stakeholders Back Tinubu, Gov. Sani For Continuity Beyond 2027

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By Israel Bulus, Kaduna

Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, have thrown their weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani, pledging their unwavering support for the duo’s continuity beyond 2027.

The declaration was made during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Friday at the Kachia Council Secretariat.

PUNCH reports that the meeting was convened to receive briefings on security and developmental updates in the area.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, the Executive Chairman of Kachia Local Government and Chairman of the APC Stakeholders Forum, Dr. Manzo Maigari, said the forum serves as a platform for regular feedback and coordination between the Government and the grassroots.

“We briefed stakeholders on the progress regarding security, the new Federal University of Applied Sciences, and other developmental milestones,” Dr. Maigari said.

“After reviewing the political landscape in Kachia, the stakeholders unanimously endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani for their achievements and leadership, and called for their continuity beyond 2027.”

Dr. Maigari also addressed the emerging political opposition, particularly the Social Democratic Party (SDP) being championed by former Governor Nasir El-Rufai. He dismissed the SDP as a fleeting political movement with little long-term relevance.

He described the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a more formidable opposition due to its longstanding presence, but expressed confidence in the APC’s hold over Zone 3 and Southern Kaduna.

“I can assure you that Zone 3 and our allies will return both the President and the Governor to power in 2027,” he said.

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“Given the gains we’ve made as a region, it would be difficult for anyone to convince the people of Southern Kaduna to abandon this path.”

Dr. Maigari highlighted security improvements under the current administration, particularly crediting the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) for reducing insecurity in Southern Kaduna by over 80 percent.

He emphasized the transformative impact of the newly established Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, noting its potential to spark massive economic and social development.

“Within 24 months of commencement, we expect the University to attract at least 30,000 people to Kachia. In 3 to 4 years, that number could exceed 100,000, stressing the resulting growth and opportunities will elevate not just Kachia but all of Southern Kaduna,” he stated.

He concluded by saying that many in Southern Kaduna now feel a sense of fulfillment, as long-held prayers for federal presence and development are finally being answered.

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